How to use Photon Blast

Photon blast transitions between two clips, simulating a bright light source that casts beams of light through the video image.

Setup

First prepare the light source. This is the part of the video image from which the light should shine. Adjust the Source parameters to isolate the portion of the picture that will source the light. Then, design the light behavior with the Rays control group. Finally, set the Blend controls to adjust how your clips transition between each other.

The Source group sets up the initial intensity of the light source.

Color sets the color of the light source. Typically, this is white, for a bright light. However, it can be any color, light or dark. Colors close in brightness and hue to the chosen color radiate light rays even if that color is dark. Examples are a white light, blue sky, or a bright red flower.

Sensitivity sets the strength of the light source. As the sensitivity is increased, more and more of the image becomes part of the light ray source.

The Rays group sets the position and length of the light rays emanating from the image.

Center sets the point in the image from which the light rays emanate.

Length sets the length of the light rays.

The Blend group controls how the first and second clips transition between each other:

Liquify adds water-like ripples to the transition. Positive values make the image ripple outward towards the screen, and negative values make it shrink backward.

Rays adjusts the brightness and intensity of the light rays.

Tempo sets the speed at which the effect changes the image. For a sudden change, set the Tempo high. For a gradual change, set it low.

Attack controls how fast the transition move from start to full effect.

Release controls how fast the transition moves from full effect to end.

Cross Fade sets the percentage of the transition that includes a cross fade of the from one clip to the next. Turn down Cross Fade for an abrupt switch between images. Turn it up for a gradual mix.